Page 53 of Imperfect Desires

Her lips press into a thin line, but she flops into the seat opposite from me. I close the folder and set it aside. My gaze sharpens on her. "I spoke with Thiago, he’s the leader of the Columbian Cartel."

Her brow creases. "About what?"

"About you."

Alina’s eyes narrow. "What the hell for?"

"I’ve arranged a marriage for you."

Her face slackens in disbelief. "What?"

"Thiago’s cartel is the strongest ally we need to secure at this point. The marriage will strengthen both sides."

Alina’s breath catches. "You’re joking."

"I’m not."

"You offered me to the cartel?"

"As I should have long ago.”

Alina’s eyes flash with hurt. "You don’t get to make that decision for me."

"Yes, I do."

"You think you can just—"

"I can, and I have."

Alina’s hands curl into fists at her sides. "And what if I say no?"

"You won’t."

"Viktor—"

"This isn’t about you, Alina." My gaze hardens. "It’s about the Bratva. This marriage strengthens our position. It ensures oursurvival. And I am sure you have not forgotten what your duties are to your family."

"And what about me?" Her voice trembles. "What about what I want?"

"What you want doesn’t matter. We have all given up things we wanted to see this bratva grow."

Her lips part in stunned disbelief.

"You belong to this family. This is the price."

"You’re selling me off."

"No, you are playing your role."

Alina shakes her head slowly. "I thought you were different."

"Then you thought wrong."

The door opens quietly.

Scarlett steps inside. Her gaze sharpens as she takes in the scene—Alina’s flushed face, the hard set of my jaw.

"What’s going on?"

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